Shared Circles including Colin Lovett

Most comments: 16

Why is it that in online forums such as this one, the Atheist boards seem to light up while humanism seems relatively quiet? I joined the Atheist community also (since I am one), but find that I get easily bored with the constant shots at religions.

Don't get me wrong, I have taken many such shots before myself. But it has gotten to the point where it feels hollow, easy and usually unfulfilling. Christianity, all by itself, has enough holes to sink all the ships in the world.

It is important to push back on theists, especially those who would force me to live my life by their myths. But there has to be more to it than that.

I'd rather discuss is ethical and philosophical issues that excite my intellect and offer me an emotional outlet that is not based on believing in fairy tales.

Most reshares: 4

Most plusones: 16

I love how well this man handled this. This is great positive exposure for Humanists.

To quote a bit of what he said: “This is a room in which there are many challenging debates, many moments of tension, of ideological division, of frustration. But this is also a room where, as my secular humanist tradition stresses, by the very fact of being human, we have much more in common than we have differences.”﻿

Ding Dong the DOMA's dead! This doesn't change everything at once, but is a big step in the right direction.

“The federal statute is invalid, for no legitimate purpose overcomes the purpose and effect to disparage and to injure those whom the State, by its marriage laws, sought to protect in personhood and dignity.”

Well said.

#scotus #lgbt #doma ﻿

Ding Dong the DOMA's dead! This doesn't change everything at once, but is a big step in the right direction.

“The federal statute is invalid, for no legitimate purpose overcomes the purpose and effect to disparage and to injure those whom the State, by its marriage laws, sought to protect in personhood and dignity.”

I'm really proud of the work we did on this series. A good resource for anyone wanting to know more about the issue of immigration in America.

Immigration: The New Face of America is a collection of personal stories, interactive graphics and resources that seeks to put a human face on the political debate. It is a place to examine the "American Dream" and explore why it comes true for some, yet remains elusive for others. Join us in the conversation.

Watch the video here or see the complete special report at voanews.com/immigration﻿___I'm really proud of the work we did on this series. A good resource for anyone wanting to know more about the issue of immigration in America.

I find this talk at a Christian church in Mississippi refreshing. Although the title identifies him as an Atheist, in the video he identifies as a Secular Humanist and he makes some very sober, yet non-confrontational points about who he is and how he got there. It's long, but worth the time. ﻿

I find this talk at a Christian church in Mississippi refreshing. Although the title identifies him as an Atheist, in the video he identifies as a Secular Humanist and he makes some very sober, yet non-confrontational points about who he is and how he got there. It's long, but worth the time. ﻿___

I love how well this man handled this. This is great positive exposure for Humanists.

To quote a bit of what he said: “This is a room in which there are many challenging debates, many moments of tension, of ideological division, of frustration. But this is also a room where, as my secular humanist tradition stresses, by the very fact of being human, we have much more in common than we have differences.”﻿

I love how well this man handled this. This is great positive exposure for Humanists.

To quote a bit of what he said: “This is a room in which there are many challenging debates, many moments of tension, of ideological division, of frustration. But this is also a room where, as my secular humanist tradition stresses, by the very fact of being human, we have much more in common than we have differences.”﻿___

I believe there are only two things we are guaranteed of. One is the life that we have. The other is the legacy we leave behind based on the choices we make.

Do we serve ourselves or others?Do we end suffering or inflict it?Do we bring hope to others or steal it away?

We will all pass on, but the choices we make live on like an echo in those we leave behind. I think this kid really got that in a big way. His song is beautiful, but his legacy is majestic and echoing.

#zachsobiech﻿

I believe there are only two things we are guaranteed of. One is the life that we have. The other is the legacy we leave behind based on the choices we make.

Do we serve ourselves or others?Do we end suffering or inflict it?Do we bring hope to others or steal it away?

We will all pass on, but the choices we make live on like an echo in those we leave behind. I think this kid really got that in a big way. His song is beautiful, but his legacy is majestic and echoing.

Even though she doesn't identify strictly as Humanist, I think this is one good take on the philosophy and outlook of Humanism.

This sermon was a little unnerving to give. Nothing like exposing oneself.﻿___Even though she doesn't identify strictly as Humanist, I think this is one good take on the philosophy and outlook of Humanism.

Pearlstein raises some good questions about our approach to markets and government that question the wisdom of left and right beliefs. The overall question though I think lines up nicely with the video shared by +Jennifer Hancock earlier today. Markets are neither good nor bad and we need to make ethical choices based on facts. Thoughts?﻿

Pearlstein raises some good questions about our approach to markets and government that question the wisdom of left and right beliefs. The overall question though I think lines up nicely with the video shared by +Jennifer Hancock earlier today. Markets are neither good nor bad and we need to make ethical choices based on facts. Thoughts?﻿___

Like the author says, the sample size is WAY too small to draw conclusions. But he also points out, rightly I think, that there is far too little data concerning the use of religion in our criminal justice system. Could Humanists provide a credible alternative that is based on data and not belief?﻿

Like the author says, the sample size is WAY too small to draw conclusions. But he also points out, rightly I think, that there is far too little data concerning the use of religion in our criminal justice system. Could Humanists provide a credible alternative that is based on data and not belief?﻿___

Very sad that these girls felt they had to give up something they love because of intolerance by others. Not sure I blame them considering what could happen, but still very sad.

Did these young women do the smart thing by quitting, or should they have continued playing?﻿___Very sad that these girls felt they had to give up something they love because of intolerance by others. Not sure I blame them considering what could happen, but still very sad.

I saw this yesterday by accident when I was looking for something else in Colorado. If you like skiing, this is a pretty cool way to get to know a mountain.

You just stepped out of the gondola into a strong wind at the peak. It’s cold and you’re weighing whether to drop into that powdery black diamond chute you’ve always dreamt of...or sliding down the nearest blue for hot cider at the base.

With 38 new run and lift maps for some of the most popular mountains across the US and Canada, Google Maps can be your “go to” mountain guide. Whether you’re shredding Lake Louise or Whistler Blackcomb Resorts (see below), Google Maps can help you find your way down the mountain to your next adventure. See you on the slopes!

Read on: http://goo.gl/7uBMj﻿___I saw this yesterday by accident when I was looking for something else in Colorado. If you like skiing, this is a pretty cool way to get to know a mountain.

Exit polls in Israel show Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party winning a narrow victory in Tuesday's parliamentary elections, after a surprisingly strong showing by centrists.

Data published as the polls closed showed Netanyahu's Likud-Beitenu slate winning 31 seats in the 120-member Knesset. The centrist secular Yesh Atid held 19, followed by the Labor Party with 17 seats and the far-right religious nationalist Jewish Home with 12.

Do you think this result will change the way Israel deals with the Palestinians?﻿___Curious how or if this will change anything. .

Closing the Laogai would be most welcome if true. Not only do those camps have a long history of brutality. Curious why the official said this and more curious why it was taken down so quickly. I wonder if +Helen Lee has seen anything on this today.

Chinese state media have quoted a senior official as saying Beijing has decided to scrap its decades-old system of detaining people in forced labor camps - a practice long criticized by rights groups.

In a brief report Monday, television network CCTV's microblog quoted Politburo member Meng Jianzhu as saying China will stop using the "re-education through labor" system this year, after the nation's rubber-stamp parliament approves the decision. It said Meng made the comment earlier in the day at a meeting of the political and legal department that he heads.

China's official Xinhua news agency re-published the CCTV report before it was removed from both the Xinhua and CCTV websites several hours later without explanation. Chinese authorities often order the removal of Internet content that they fear could encourage dissent against the government.

Xinhua later published a report saying the Chinese government is committed to "reforming" the labor camp system this year under the leadership of its new Communist Party chief Xi Jinping. No other details were provided. ﻿___Closing the Laogai would be most welcome if true. Not only do those camps have a long history of brutality. Curious why the official said this and more curious why it was taken down so quickly. I wonder if +Helen Lee has seen anything on this today.

The shootings in Connecticut have gotten me thinking about how Humanists can be most helpful.

I would love to hear your thoughts.

1. Those who have deep religious faith have a built in support network to help them get through this. I have no intention of knocking the beliefs of others at a time such as this. But Humanists could provide support and help to non-believers dealing with this tragedy, and others, just by letting them know we are here if they need us.

2. By being visible in a positive way, we can let others know that it is possible to deal with loss in a non-religious way. We can show those who are inclined to be skeptical that there are healthy ways of dealing with loss that is human centered, not supernaturally centered.

I am not sure what is the best way to get such a message out, but I do think it could be useful.

The shootings in Connecticut have gotten me thinking about how Humanists can be most helpful.

I would love to hear your thoughts.

1. Those who have deep religious faith have a built in support network to help them get through this. I have no intention of knocking the beliefs of others at a time such as this. But Humanists could provide support and help to non-believers dealing with this tragedy, and others, just by letting them know we are here if they need us.

2. By being visible in a positive way, we can let others know that it is possible to deal with loss in a non-religious way. We can show those who are inclined to be skeptical that there are healthy ways of dealing with loss that is human centered, not supernaturally centered.

I am not sure what is the best way to get such a message out, but I do think it could be useful.

I'm curious what traditions other humanists use to deal with death and loss that can be shared with those who are the loss of a loved one. ﻿___

Curious when Google Play will allow people to purchase things as a gift for others. It would be really nice, for instance, to buy my son an app or my wife a ebook, without having to sign on to their device. Just curious +Google Play when we might be able to do something like this and have an email sent to them for the download. ﻿

Curious when Google Play will allow people to purchase things as a gift for others. It would be really nice, for instance, to buy my son an app or my wife a ebook, without having to sign on to their device. Just curious +Google Play when we might be able to do something like this and have an email sent to them for the download. ﻿___

Why is it that in online forums such as this one, the Atheist boards seem to light up while humanism seems relatively quiet? I joined the Atheist community also (since I am one), but find that I get easily bored with the constant shots at religions.

Don't get me wrong, I have taken many such shots before myself. But it has gotten to the point where it feels hollow, easy and usually unfulfilling. Christianity, all by itself, has enough holes to sink all the ships in the world.

It is important to push back on theists, especially those who would force me to live my life by their myths. But there has to be more to it than that.

I'd rather discuss is ethical and philosophical issues that excite my intellect and offer me an emotional outlet that is not based on believing in fairy tales.

Why is it that in online forums such as this one, the Atheist boards seem to light up while humanism seems relatively quiet? I joined the Atheist community also (since I am one), but find that I get easily bored with the constant shots at religions.

Don't get me wrong, I have taken many such shots before myself. But it has gotten to the point where it feels hollow, easy and usually unfulfilling. Christianity, all by itself, has enough holes to sink all the ships in the world.

It is important to push back on theists, especially those who would force me to live my life by their myths. But there has to be more to it than that.

I'd rather discuss is ethical and philosophical issues that excite my intellect and offer me an emotional outlet that is not based on believing in fairy tales.

What say you fellow humanists, why do online Atheist communities seem so much more involved and vibrant than their Humanism counterparts?﻿___

I'll start by saying that the reason I'm attracted to humanism as opposed to simply Atheism is I believe the question of God or no God is the wrong question. The question that drives me and shapes my philosophy is "Who is Responsible?" Who is responsible for our world, our future and our actions? The only logical answer is, "we are". We choose to build or destroy. We choose to act compassionately or with malice. For better or worse, the world we leave to those who come after us is our responsibility.

From that I get a humanist philosophy that challenges me to reason and act based on compassion for others and the desire to make good use of this one short life I get.

Thought that might be a good place to start a discussion. ﻿

Thanks for the invite +Paul Vasquez.

I'll start by saying that the reason I'm attracted to humanism as opposed to simply Atheism is I believe the question of God or no God is the wrong question. The question that drives me and shapes my philosophy is "Who is Responsible?" Who is responsible for our world, our future and our actions? The only logical answer is, "we are". We choose to build or destroy. We choose to act compassionately or with malice. For better or worse, the world we leave to those who come after us is our responsibility.

From that I get a humanist philosophy that challenges me to reason and act based on compassion for others and the desire to make good use of this one short life I get.

On this day in 1863, Abraham Lincoln gave one of the most famous speeches in American history. With his very short Gettysburg Address, Lincoln delivered a poetic summary of the U.S. civil war and its consequences.

Surprisingly, Lincoln was not the featured speaker that day. Edward Everett, the featured speaker, talked for more than two hours before Lincoln stood to speak for just a few minutes.

Lincoln did get one thing wrong in his speech, when he said the world would not long remember what was said that day. Nearly 150 years later, most American school children are taught about the famous Gettysburg Address.

How do you think the speech holds up for a modern reader? Does it hold meaning for those who are not Americans?

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to th... more »

On this day in 1863, Abraham Lincoln gave one of the most famous speeches in American history. With his very short Gettysburg Address, Lincoln delivered a poetic summary of the U.S. civil war and its consequences.

Surprisingly, Lincoln was not the featured speaker that day. Edward Everett, the featured speaker, talked for more than two hours before Lincoln stood to speak for just a few minutes.

Lincoln did get one thing wrong in his speech, when he said the world would not long remember what was said that day. Nearly 150 years later, most American school children are taught about the famous Gettysburg Address.

How do you think the speech holds up for a modern reader? Does it hold meaning for those who are not Americans?

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."﻿___

I live at the Jersey Shore. Did you see Brian Williams of NBC reporting from the hardest-hit area? That's where I live. The area has been devastated. Entire towns were destroyed. There are mile-long lines for gasoline at the few stations that have any. I'm hearing a lot of people in other parts of the country complaining that people shouldn't “politicize” this natural disaster, and I have one thing to say to them:

Shut up.

Just shut the hell up. There's an election next week, and this is politics. Now is exactly the right time to point out that we have one candidate who wants to eliminate or cut FEMA (it depends on which day you ask him), who thinks the states should handle this stuff themselves, who thinks disaster relief should be a for-profit enterprise. One candidate who said that it is “immoral” to borrow money to help disaster victims. One candidate whose idea of “small government” is to leave people to fend for themselves.

Mitt Romney staged a photo op pretending to collect canned goods to send to the victims of Hurricane Sandy. His staff spent a few grand at Walmart and handed out cans for people to be photographed handing back, and he got his picture taken picking up boxes of stuff. What a jackass.

Remember when Paul Ryan got his picture taken pretending to volunteer at a homeless shelter? At least the thing he was pretending to do would be good if other people actually did it. The Red Cross neither needs nor wants your canned goods. All that does is create a logistical problem to transport the items. They don't accept that kind of donation because it doesn't help.

More to the point, we don't need your canned goods. Canned goods? Really? Do you think we don't have grocery stores out here? We have more canned goods than we could ever possibly need. How clueless can you be and still be seen as a viable candidate for president?

What we need is power. We need the lines and transformers and substations fixed. We need a more resilient infrastructure. And we need gasoline, very badly – but fixing the power will take care of that, too.

Mitt Romney thinks the states should take care of all of this themselves. He thinks New York City should be pumping out its own subway tunnels. He thinks the president shouldn't have brought FEMA to New Jersey with him, or sent those Navy ships to land the helicopters on. He thinks the power companies whose services go out every time it rains need less regulation. He thinks the market should be left to deal with the cleanup. He compared it with his experience cleaning up a school football field after a celebration. And he thinks what we really need is some canned soup.

Meanwhile, Romney ignores questions from reporters about his intentions for FEMA. His party insists that disaster relief funding requires offsets. And now they're attacking our Republican governor, Chris Christie, for doing his job and working with the president to help the people of his state, rather than adhering to the Republican religion. We're all very grateful that Gov. Christie doesn't adhere to that religion.

But Mitt Romney does, and Paul Ryan does, and the party in general does. No state has the resources to deal with this kind of thing, and privatizing it would be despicable. We live in a society; let's act like it. Let's elect people who act like it. Not people who stage photo ops pretending to do things that won't help anyway.

Meanwhile, if you want to help, we don't need your old clothes or your dusty cans of cream of mushroom soup. Text “redcross” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.﻿___Well worth the read.